Fredrick Alan Whitson

Fredrick Alan Whitson (Rick, Reeko), 68, of Johnson City, departed this earth for his heavenly home, March 19, 2019, at Holston Valley Hospital surrounded by family. Rick entered his earthly life on December 27, 1950, to his parents Isaac and Grace Abel Whitson. His Father passed in October 1983, and his Mother only nine months ago in June 2018. He was also proceeded in death by a baby sister in April 1949. He graduated from Science Hill High School in 1969 where he was a member of the Opto and DECCA Clubs. His senior year, he was voted class superlative by his classmates for Best Dressed, which was a truly appropriate title. During high school, Rick?s paychecks went to Hannah?s and The Squire Shop in downtown Johnson City for his layaways of only the best clothing and alligator accessories. Rick was a 39 year active member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 538 of Johnson City. During those years, he worked at job sites in numerous states alongside his Father, brother, and many close relatives and friends. He was truly proud of and had continuous enjoyment from his beautifully renovated home (credit to Wayne Cotter), his love of multiple genres of music and his classic ?Easy Rider' style Harley Davidson chopper. Rick was generous with his younger siblings, offering them .25 cents to later .50 to iron his shirts or brush & braid his hair. Any remaining IOUs are now forgiven. Rick could litigate with the best of them and even sent a case to the Supreme Court. He was of the Christian faith. Rick is survived by his loving son, Roddie Heath Whitson-Lynskey; seven siblings: Ike Whitson (Anna), Gary Fair (Sandra), Nancy Story (Jerry), Cindy Wolford, Amy Barr (Howell), Jeff Whitson (Kathleen) and Kittye Hirsch (Jamie); nephews and nieces: Gabe Hirsch, Clint Gwin, Jeremy Whitson, Justin Whitson, John Barr, Avery Dabbs, Joseph Barr, Kim Dagnan, Jared Story, Audrey Story, Ben Fair & Spencer Fair; great & great-great nephews & nieces; many Whitson and Abel cousins; son?s Mother Toni Lynskey; numerous close lifetime friends; many close co-workers; and special pets, Cat Dog and BB. The family of Fredrick Alan Whitson will receive friends at Morris Baker Funeral Home on Saturday, March 23, 2019, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, immediately followed by a celebration of life service officiated by his cousin, Mike Abel. The family will welcome, at the closing of the service, anyone wanting to share a humorous Rick memory. Honorary Pallbearers will be Frank Hamilton, Herman Price, Sammy Blankenship Frank Hooks, Kenny Crowder, David Dockery, Bo Alvis, Tom McConnell, George Parris, Wayne Cotter & Alan Warren. In lieu of flowers, please consider an animal shelter or animal hospital to help those needing assistance with financial costs for their loved pets. Our family offers heartfelt thanks for the vast number of visitors at the hospital, phone calls, emails, social media comments, prayers of love, and concern shown to both Rick and family during the last several days. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Michael Grosserode, Dr. Jay Mehta, Dr. Schoondyke and the doctors & staff of both JC Med Center and Holston Valley for your care of Rick.